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Groundskeeper

Groundskeeper

Job Title: Groundskeeper 

Department: Facilities 

Position Type: Full- (40 hours per week) or Part-Time (less than 30 hours per week) 

Reports to: Maintenance Foreman

Position Overview: 
The Groundskeeper at the University of Valley Forge is responsible for facilitating the mission of the University of Valley Forge by providing care, maintenance, and improvement of the grounds and outdoor spaces of all university-owned property. This position is responsible for ensuring that the campus grounds remain clean, safe, healthy, and visually appealing for students, staff, faculty, and visitors.

This position requires the ability to perform a wide range of groundskeeping planning, preparation, and tasks and includes supporting the maintenance and housekeeping teams. 

Key Responsibilities

    • Mission of the University of Valley Forge
      • Fully support the mission of the University of Valley Forge.
      • Model the values of the University: Jesus is our Center, Students are our Focus, Progress is our Expectation, Excellence is our Pursuit, Teamwork is our Spirit, Servant Leadership is our Identity, and Community is our Calling.
    • Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping
      • Mow lawns, trim edges, and care for the university’s green spaces.
      • Maintain flower beds, shrubs, and trees to ensure a neat, clean, and welcoming environment.
      • Perform seasonal landscaping duties, including planting and pruning.
      • Care for and perform maintenance as needed on equipment.
    • Cleaning & Trash Removal
      • Pick up trash and debris across the entire campus and surrounding areas, ensuring a clean environment for the university community.
      • Ensure waste and recycling bins are emptied and properly maintained.
    • Leaf Blowing & Seasonal Yardwork
      • Use leaf blowers to clear leaves and debris from sidewalks, parking lots, and pathways.
      • Assist with seasonal tasks such as snow removal, salting, and sanding of walkways and driveways during the winter months.
    • Support for Maintenance & Housekeeping Teams
      • Assist the maintenance team with general upkeep and repairs around the campus as needed.
      • Provide support to the housekeeping team by ensuring outdoor areas are kept clean and presentable.
    • Assistance with Special Events
      • Support event setups, including preparation for campus events.
      • Assist in outdoor venue setup and cleanup for university events and gatherings.
    • Safety and Compliance
      • Ensure all groundskeeping activities are performed in accordance with safety regulations and university policies.
      • Maintain accurate records of work accomplished if requested.
    • Communication and Collaboration
      • Work collaboratively with other maintenance staff, housekeeping staff, administrative personnel, and residence life staff to coordinate groundskeeping efforts.
      • Communicate effectively with university departments groundskeeping project status and timelines.
    • Other
      • Groundskeepers may be requested to perform other duties, such as assisting with maintenance or housekeeping when needed by the university.
      • Groundskeepers will be required to attend departmental and occasional all-university meetings.

Skills and Knowledge

  • A valid driver’s license and able to be approved to drive university vehicles.
  • Working knowledge of tools and equipment used in groundskeeping tasks.
  • General knowledge of landscaping, plant/tree/lawn care and maintenance, and long-term groundskeeping plan development.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Work Environment

Work primarily outdoors, in temperatures ranging from very cold to very hot. Physical activity is required for the majority of the work day, including lifting, bending, carrying, moving, and operating equipment. Some indoor work is required. Driving university vehicles on or off campus is required. Occasional weekends and evenings are required when on call or when addressing emergencies.

Spiritual Requirements

All employees must be openly committed followers of Christ and sign the UVF Community Covenant.

Qualifications and Abilities

  • Ability to respond to occasional emergency grounds needs outside of regular hours.
  • A positive, proactive attitude toward problem-solving and the ability to look at challenges creatively.
  • Responsible, self-starter able to prioritize work and manage time with minimal supervision.
  • Possess a teachable, humble, good attitude and a desire to be part of a team committed to excellence.
  • A desire to grow personally, spiritually, and professionally, with an aptitude and interest in fulfilling the responsibilities outlined.

Pay is commensurate with experience and ability.

The University

The University of Valley Forge (UVF) is an accredited Christian university of the Arts, Sciences, and Professions located on a beautiful 100+ acre campus in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. With 52 undergraduate majors, eight graduate programs, and dozens of credentialed and dedicated professors, UVF is committed to the mission to prepare individuals for a life of service and leadership in the church and the world.

The University hereby affirms its commitment to equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, disability, age, genetic information, or status as a disabled veteran.

 

To be considered for this position, please email your resume to

University of Valley Forge
Human Resources
Email: hr@valleyforge.edu

Seal of the University of Valley Forge: shield with cross, text UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE at top, 1939 at bottom.
1401 Charlestown Road Phoenixville PA 19460
800.432.8322 | 610.935.0450
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Admissions FAQs

Yes, most colleges and universities accept homeschool transcripts. You’ll need to create a transcript that lists all courses taken, grades earned, and a brief description of each subject. Many colleges may ask for additional documentation to verify the curriculum or learning outcomes. 

A homeschool transcript should include the following:   

  • Student’s name and contact information   
  • A list of courses by grade level (9th-12th)   
  • The grades and credits earned for each course   
  • GPA  

You can use online tools or templates to help structure your transcript.

Transcript Template (Right-click and “Save Link As” to download)

No, colleges understand that homeschool students may follow a non-traditional curriculum. You are not required to use a specific homeschooling program, but the courses should be rigorous and meet the academic standards of the college. 

UVF is test-optional, . It’s best to check each college’s specific testing policy. If you submit them, we will use those test scores for placement into math and English courses.  If you don’t submit test scores, we have placement tests that we designed that you will take instead. 

Homeschool students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteering, internships, etc.). For letters of recommendation, you can ask mentors, tutors, employers, or community leaders who are familiar with your work and character. We understand that your experiences may look different from those of traditional students. 

Homeschool students typically don’t have a GPA or class rank based on a standardized grading system. You may be asked to provide your grading scale (e.g., A = 90-100, B = 80-89, etc.) and explain how you evaluate coursework. . 

If your grading was pass/fail, a work sample does help us evaluate the rigor of your coursework. 

Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for the same federal and state financial aid (e.g., FAFSA) as other students. You are also eligible for institutional scholarships. 

You may be asked to provide documentation showing that your homeschooling complies with the laws of your state (e.g., notice of intent to homeschool, records of testing or assessments). We are familiar with most states’ homeschool laws. 

Yes, you can still apply as a homeschooled student if you were homeschooled for any portion of high school. You’ll need to explain the structure of your education and provide transcripts for both your public/private school and homeschool years, if applicable. 

A GED is not required if you have completed your high school education through homeschooling, provided you can submit a detailed transcript and meet the other application requirements. However, if you took the GED, you may submit those scores as part of your application if they are beneficial. 

We value the self-motivation and discipline that often come with homeschooling.  Our homeschooled students typically excel in academic curiosity, resilience, and ability to work independently. 

We always encourage students to come for an on-campus visit.  It can be a great opportunity to showcase your personality and explain your homeschooling background in person. It’s also a chance to ask questions about the college and demonstrate your interest in the school. 

Homeschooling allows you to tailor your education to your interests and strengths. We appreciate the diversity of perspectives that homeschool students bring, so don’t be afraid to highlight how your education has been non-traditional but still rigorous and meaningful. 

If you’ve taken college-level courses during high school (dual enrollment), make sure to include those credits on your application. You’ll need to request official transcripts from the college(s) where you took courses and submit them to your prospective schools. 

Some scholarships are specifically for homeschool graduates. These may be offered by homeschool associations, local foundations, or certain colleges. It’s a good idea to research scholarships in your area or inquire about opportunities at the colleges you’re applying to.